Upcoming events involve 4-H, FFA members
By Kathy Thomson
Two important events for local ag students will occur next week, and another took place earlier this Monday.
The Shackelford Youth and Livestock Association will have a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:00 p.m.
“We’ll meet at the high school ag building,” said FFA advisor Chris Beard. “This meeting helps us get ready for the county show.”
Weigh-in for sheep, swine, and goats will take place on Thursday, Jan. 23.
The livestock classes will all be held on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24 and 25, instead of spread out over a three-day period.
The poultry and rabbits will show on Saturday, Jan. 25 after the cattle rather than on Thursday evening.
4-H Party
Next Friday, Dec. 13 will be a Christmas party for Shackelford County 4-H, and everyone is invited to come, according to AgriLife county extension agent Kloey Painter.
The event will be held at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m.
“Come join us for games, fun, and lots of food,” said Painter. “Bring your friends. We will be collecting new blankets to donate to the Resource Community Center, so bring a blanket to donate if you can.”
Big Country Banquet
The Big Country District banquet and district talent contest were held on Monday, Dec. 2 at the Taylor County Expo Center in Abilene, and 11 Albany FFA members, along FFA advisor Chris Beard and student teacher Anna Easby, were in attendance.
“Seven out of the nine Albany FFA officers were able to go,” said Beard.
Alayna Koemel, who is a district first vice president, served on the officer panel that conducted the district ceremony. The officers handed out LDE awards and announced spring and Texas FFA convention winners.
Blanton Belcher, Leddie Leech, Susie Cormack, and Kamryn Browning were the Albany voting delegates.
Cormack is also the Albany FFA chaplain and Browning the historian.
Albany senior Seth Hale attended as both the Area IV treasurer and as sentinel for the local FFA chapter.
Additional Albany FFA members who attended the district banquet include Tyler Beard – president, Brayden Sullivan – vice president, Blane Kayga – secretary, Conner Clark – reporter, and Ty Everitt.
Albany was presented with LDE award banners for last year’s talent contest, and this fall’s awards in district job interview, district radio broadcasting, and area job interview.
Albany FFA was also recognized for awards earned over the spring and summer of 2019.
Area IV LDE Contest
Seth Hale placed fourth in job interview at the Area IV LDE contest that was held on Monday, Nov. 25 in Mineral Wells.
Only the top two of 12 contestants advanced to the state finals.
